Electronic Device with an Input Device Having a Haptic Engine

ABSTRACT

An electronic device is configured to provide haptic feedback to a user based on an input action associated with an input device. The electronic device includes a haptic engine operably connected to a processing device. The haptic engine includes an electromagnetic actuator that detects an input action associated with the input device. The electromagnetic actuator also produces a haptic output in response to the detection of the input action.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/145,115, filed Jan. 8, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/800,723, filed Feb. 25,2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,890,978, which is a continuation of U.S.Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/366,674, filed Dec. 1,2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,585,480, which is a nonprovisional patentapplication of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/334,036, filed May 10, 2016, the disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices. Moreparticularly, the present embodiments relate to an electronic devicethat includes a haptic engine used to detect an input action associatedwith an input device and provides haptic feedback based on the detectedinput action.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices have become increasingly popular, and thefeatures and functionality provided by portable electronic devicescontinue to expand to meet the needs and expectations of many consumers.For example, some portable electronic devices include features such astouch sensors, a display, various input devices, speakers, andmicrophones. In some cases, the electronic device may take on a smallform factor. In such cases, it can be challenging to include all of thecomponents in the electronic device that are needed to provide thevarious functionalities in the smallest space.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an electronic device that isconfigured to provide haptic feedback to a user based on an input actionassociated with an input device. A haptic engine is configured to detectan input action associated with the input device (e.g., a translationalinput) and produce a haptic output based on the detected input action.The haptic output may be perceived by a user as haptic feedback. Thehaptic feedback can indicate to the user that the user input has beenreceived by the electronic device.

In some embodiments, an input device includes a haptic engine operablyconnected to or mechanically coupled to an input surface of the inputdevice and to a processing device. The haptic engine may include anelectromagnetic actuator, such as a linear actuator, that detects a userinput or input action associated with the input surface and provides ahaptic output based on the detected input action. The electromagneticactuator includes a magnet assembly and a coil assembly adjacent to themagnet assembly. For example, the coil assembly can at least partiallysurround the magnet assembly. The haptic engine detects the input actionbased on a first movement between the magnet assembly and the coilassembly with respect to each other, the first movement inducing aninput device signal in the coil assembly. The processing device isconfigured to receive or respond to the input device signal and toresponsively cause a haptic output signal to be transmitted to thehaptic engine. The haptic output signal produces a second movementbetween the magnet assembly and the coil assembly with respect to eachother to produce a haptic output that is applied or transferred to theinput surface.

In some embodiments, the input device is an input button in anelectronic watch (e.g., a smart watch). The electronic watch alsoincludes a display and a processing device operably connected to thedisplay and to the electromagnetic actuator. An input action (e.g., atranslational input action) received by the input button causes theprocessing device to receive or respond to an input device signal fromthe electromagnetic actuator and a haptic output signal to betransmitted to the electromagnetic actuator. The display is configuredto display a user interface screen associated with an applicationprogram, and the input action also causes a change in the user interfacescreen displayed on the display. For example, an icon may be selectedand a different user interface screen displayed based on the selectedicon, or the digits in the time displayed on the display are changedbased on the input action.

In some embodiments, an electronic device includes an input deviceconfigured to receive a user input, a haptic device operably connectedto the input device, and a processing device operably connected to thehaptic device. The processing device is configured to receive or respondto an input device signal from the haptic device based on the userinput. In response to the input device signal, the processing device isconfigured to cause a haptic output signal to be transmitted to thehaptic device. The haptic output signal causes the haptic device toproduce a haptic output.

In some embodiments, an electronic device includes an input deviceconfigured to receive a user input and a haptic engine operablyconnected to the input device. The haptic engine is configured to detectthe user input and produce a haptic output based on the detected userinput. The haptic engine is further configured to operate in a firstmode in which the haptic engine engages the input device, and in asecond mode in which the haptic engine is not engaged with the inputdevice.

In some embodiments, an electronic watch includes an electromagneticactuator operably connected to an input button, and a processing deviceoperably connected to the electromagnetic actuator. The electromagneticactuator includes a magnet assembly and a coil assembly adjacent themagnet assembly. The electromagnetic actuator is configured to detect aninput action (e.g., a translational input action) provided to the inputbutton based on a first movement between the magnet assembly and thecoil assembly. The first movement induces an input device signal in thecoil assembly. The processing device is configured to receive or respondto the input device signal and to cause a haptic output signal to betransmitted to the electromagnetic actuator to cause a second movementbetween the magnet assembly and the coil assembly to produce a hapticoutput. The haptic output may be applied to the input button and/or toanother region or surface of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, an electronic watch includes a linear actuatoroperably connected to a crown and a processing device operably connectedto the linear actuator. The linear actuator includes a magnet assemblymovably coupled to a shaft and a coil assembly adjacent the magnetassembly. The linear actuator is configured to detect an input action(e.g., a translational input action) provided to the crown based on afirst movement between the magnet assembly and the coil assembly, thefirst movement inducing an input device signal. The processing device isconfigured to receive or respond to the input device signal and to causea haptic output signal to be transmitted to the linear actuator. Thehaptic output signal causes a second movement between the magnetassembly and the coil assembly to produce a haptic output. The hapticoutput may be applied to the crown and/or to another region or surfaceof the electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows one example of an electronic device that can include ahaptic engine configured to provide haptic output based on an inputaction associated with an input device;

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified schematic of the electronic device takenalong line A-A in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of theelectronic device taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a second example ofthe electronic device taken along line B-B in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 shows show a simplified cross-sectional view of a third exampleof the electronic device taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 6A-6B show a simplified cross-sectional view of a fourth exampleof the electronic device taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 7A-7B depict a simplified cross-sectional view of a fifth exampleof the electronic device taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 depicts one example of the coil and magnet assemblies that aresuitable for use in the haptic devices shown in FIGS. 2-7 ;

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a method of operating an electronic device;and

FIG. 10 is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic device shownin FIG. 1 .

The cross-hatching in the figures is provided to distinguish theelements or components from one another. The cross-hatching is notintended to indicate a type of material or materials or the nature ofthe material(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatthe following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments toone preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included withinthe spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by theappended claims.

The following disclosure relates to an electronic device that isconfigured to provide haptic feedback to a user. In general, a hapticdevice may be configured to produce a mechanical movement or vibrationthat may be transmitted through the enclosure and/or an input device ofthe electronic device. In some cases, the movement or vibration istransmitted to the skin of the user and perceived as a stimulus orhaptic feedback by the user. In some embodiments, the haptic feedbackmay be coupled to an input action on an input device. One example of aninput action is the pressing of an input button. The haptic feedback canindicate to a user that the input action has been received or registeredby the input device and/or the electronic device.

In a particular embodiment, the electronic device includes an inputdevice and a haptic engine operably connected to the input device. Ahaptic engine may include an electromechanical assembly that is capableof producing a change in momentum using a moving mass that results in ahaptic output. In the embodiments described herein, the haptic engine isconfigured to function as both an input sensor and a haptic device. Inparticular, the input sensor may be integrated within the haptic devicein that the electromechanical components that produce and receivesignals from both the haptic device and the input sensor. For example,when the haptic device is an electromagnetic actuator, an input action(e.g., button press) can cause the magnet assembly and the coil assemblyto move with respect to each other. This movement induces a current (or“input device signal”) in the coil assembly. The input device signalindicates an input action associated with the input device has occurred.A processing device may be responsive to the input device signal, andmay cause a haptic output signal to be transmitted to the coil assembly.The haptic output signal may cause the haptic device to produce a hapticoutput.

As used herein, the term “input action” may be construed broadly toinclude any type of user input associated with an input device, or withone or more components in an input device. Example input actionsinclude, but are not limited to, a translational input, touch input,force input, motion input, acceleration input, pressure input, velocityinput, rotational input, and combinations thereof. In a non-limitingexample, an input device can be an input button in an electronic device,and one input action associated with the input button is a button pressor translational input. The button press may cause the input button, orcomponents within the input button, to translate or move in the samedirection as the direction of the button press (e.g., horizontaldirection).

Additionally or alternatively, an input action can include a force inputwhere an amount of force, or varying amounts of force, is applied to aninput device. In such embodiments, a processing device operablyconnected to the haptic engine is configured to detect the applied forceon the input device. Additionally or alternatively, the processingdevice can be configured to detect motion or a rotation of the inputdevice (or of a component in the input device). In a non-limitingexample, the input device may be a crown of an electronic watch (e.g., asmart watch) that a user can rotate to provide one or more inputs to thesmart watch.

In general, a haptic engine may produce one or more types of hapticoutput, such as vibrations, an applied force, movement, and combinationsthereof. The haptic output may be transmitted through the enclosureand/or an input device of the electronic device and detected by a user.In some cases, the movement, force, and/or vibration is transmitted tothe skin of the user and perceived as a stimulus or haptic feedback bythe user. In one non-limiting example, a user can press an input buttonand the haptic engine can apply a force to the input button in adirection opposite the direction of the button press. The applied forcemay be perceived by the user as a “tap” or “knock” that indicates theinput device and/or the electronic device registered the button press.Alternatively, the haptic engine may move a mass in one direction or inopposing directions in response to the button press. The movement may beperceived by the user as a vibration that indicates the input deviceand/or the electronic device registered the button press.

In some embodiments, the position of the haptic engine can be adjustedso that a haptic output can be applied to different regions of anelectronic device. For example, a haptic engine may be positioned at afirst position to apply a haptic output directly to an input device(e.g., an exterior surface of an input button). The haptic engine mayalso be positioned at a second position to apply a haptic output to adifferent region of the electronic device (e.g., an exterior surface ofan enclosure). The position of the haptic engine can be adjusted usingany suitable method. For example, in one embodiment an electromagnet orswitch may position the haptic device.

Directional terminology, such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”,“leading”, “trailing”, etc., is used with reference to the orientationof the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodimentsdescribed herein can be positioned in a number of differentorientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes ofillustration only and is in no way limiting. When used in conjunctionwith the components of an input device and of an electronic device, thedirectional terminology is intended to be construed broadly, andtherefore should not be interpreted to preclude the presence of one ormore intervening components or other intervening features or elements.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-10 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures isfor explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 shows one example of an electronic device that can include ahaptic engine configured to produce haptic output based on an inputaction associated with an input device. In the illustrated embodiment,the electronic device 100 may be implemented as an electronic or smartwatch that is adapted to be worn by a user. A different type ofelectronic device can be used in other embodiments. For example, theelectronic device can be a gaming device, a digital music player, asports accessory device, a medical device, a health assistant, a tabletcomputing device, a notebook computer, a smart phone, and other types ofelectronic devices that provide, or are suitable to provide, hapticfeedback to a user.

The electronic device 100 includes input devices 106, 108. In someembodiments, one or both of the input devices 106, 108 may be configuredas input/output devices. The term “input device” is intended to beconstrued broadly to include both input and input/output devices. Aninput device may include an input component, such as a button, knob,dial, crown, and the like. Although shown on a side of the electronicdevice 100, the input devices 106, 108 can be positioned substantiallyanywhere on the electronic device 100.

As will be described in more detail later, the electronic device 100includes at least one haptic engine (see e.g., FIG. 2 ) operablyconnected to one or both input devices. The haptic engine is configuredto detect an input action associated with one or both input devices 106,108 and provide haptic feedback to a user when an input action isdetected. The haptic engine functions as both an input sensor and ahaptic device. In some embodiments, at least some of the components ofthe haptic engine can be used as the input sensor. For example, when thehaptic engine is an electromagnetic actuator (e.g., a linear actuator),an input action (e.g., a translation of input device 108) can cause amagnet assembly and a coil assembly of the electromagnetic actuator tomove with respect to each other. This movement induces a current (or“input device signal”) in the coil assembly. The input device signal mayindicate that an input action associated with the input device hasoccurred. A processing device may be responsive to the input devicesignal and may, in turn, cause a haptic output signal to be transmittedto the coil assembly. The haptic output signal causes theelectromagnetic actuator to produce a haptic output. The haptic outputmay be perceived by the user as haptic feedback that indicates the inputaction has been registered or entered by the electronic device 100and/or the input device(s) 106, 108.

In the illustrated embodiment, the input device 106 is a crown and theinput device 108 an input button. Input devices in other embodiments arenot limited to these configurations. For example, an input device may bea rocker switch, a portion of the enclosure 102, one or more keys in akeyboard, a slide switch, a virtual icon or image on a display, or anyother suitable input device.

The input device 106 (e.g., crown) is configured to receivetranslational and rotational input actions. For example, the inputdevice 106 may include a shaft that extends into the electronic device100. Pressing the input device 106 can cause the shaft, or componentscoupled to the shaft, to move or translate a given distance.Additionally or alternatively, the shaft may rotate when a user rotatesthe input device 106. The amount of shaft rotation can be detected andmeasured by an optical encoder positioned adjacent to the shaft. Theamount of shaft rotation may be used as an input to the electronicdevice 100 and/or to an application program running on the electronicdevice 100.

One or more functions can be performed when the input device 106 isrotated and/or pressed. For example, if the display 104 of theelectronic device 100 is displaying a time keeping application, theinput device 106 may be rotated in either direction to change or adjustthe position of the hands or the digits that are displayed for the timekeeping application. Additionally or alternatively, the input device 106may be rotated to move a cursor or other type of selection mechanismfrom a first displayed location to a second displayed location in orderto select an icon or move the selection mechanism between various iconsthat are presented on the display 104. Additionally or alternatively,the input device 106 may be pressed to perform various functions, suchas changing the image on a display, waking the electronic device 100from a sleep state, and/or to select or activate an application. In someembodiments, the input device 106 can be rotated or pressed to disablean application or function. For example, the input device 106 may bepressed to disable an alert produced by an application on the electronicdevice 100 or received by the electronic device 100.

In some embodiments, the input device 108 (e.g., an input component orinput button) can be configured to be pressed to cause various functionsto be performed and/or disabled. The input device 108 may include ashaft that extends into the electronic device 100. Pressing the inputdevice 108 can cause the shaft, or components coupled to the shaft, tomove or translate a given distance. For example, a single press canactivate an application and/or display a particular image or screen onthe display. Additionally or alternatively, a single press may disableor delay an alert. A multiple press (e.g., a double press or doubleclick) can activate an application and a component within the electronicdevice 100. For example, a double click may access an application thatuses a wireless communication network to transmit data associated withthe application (e.g., an electronic payment application). Additionallyor alternatively, a press-hold may operate to turn on and turn off theelectronic device 100 or to place the electronic device 100 in a powersaving mode (e.g., a mode where minimal functions and applicationsoperate and other applications and functions are disabled).

In some embodiments, pressing both of the input devices 106, 108 invarious combinations can cause one or more functions to be performed.For example, pressing the input device 106 and then immediately pressingthe input device 108 can cause an action to be performed on theelectronic device 100. Additionally or alternatively, simultaneouspress-holds on the input devices 106, 108 can cause another action to beperformed on the electronic device 100.

The electronic device 100 further includes an enclosure 102 that formsan outer surface or partial outer surface for the internal components ofthe electronic device 100. The enclosure 102 defines openings and/orapertures that receive and/or support a display 104 and the inputdevices 106, 108. The enclosure 102 can be formed of one or morecomponents operably connected together, such as a front piece and a backpiece. Alternatively, the enclosure 102 can be formed of a single pieceoperably connected to the display 104. In the illustrated embodiment,the enclosure 102 is formed into a substantially rectangular shape,although this configuration is not required. For example, certainembodiments may include a substantially circular enclosure 102.

The display 104 can provide a visual output for the electronic device100 and/or function to receive user inputs to the electronic device 100.For example, the display 104 may incorporate an input device configuredto receive touch input, force input, temperature input, and the like.The display 104 may be substantially any size and may be positionedsubstantially anywhere on the electronic device 100. The display 104 canbe implemented with any suitable display, including, but not limited to,a multi-touch sensing touchscreen device that uses liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) element, a light emitting diode (LED) element, an organiclight-emitting display (OLED) element, or an organic electroluminescence (OEL) element.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic of the electronic device taken alongline A-A in FIG. 1 . The electronic device 100 can include a hapticengine 200 operably connected to a processing device 202. The hapticengine 200 is configured to detect an input action associated with theinput device 108 and produce a haptic output based on a detected inputaction. As used herein, the input device 108 may also be referred to asan input component, which may include an input button, push button, oractuator. As described earlier, the haptic engine 200 may produce one ormore types of haptic output, such as vibrations, an applied force,movement, and combinations thereof. The haptic output may be applied ortransferred to at least one surface of the electronic device 100 and/orto the input device 108. For example, the haptic output can betransmitted through the input device and/or the enclosure and perceivedas haptic feedback by a user.

For example, in one embodiment the haptic engine 200 is configured toapply a haptic output to a bottom surface of the enclosure 102 (e.g.,the momentum of the haptic output can be transferred to the bottomsurface). When a user is wearing the electronic device 100 on his or herwrist, the haptic output may be detected by the user as haptic feedbackbecause the bottom surface of the electronic device 100 is in contactwith the wrist. In other embodiments, the haptic output may be appliedor transferred to a side of the electronic device 100, a top surface ofthe electronic device 100, multiple surfaces of the electronic device100, and combinations thereof.

Additionally or alternatively, the haptic engine 200 may be configuredto produce a haptic output that is applied or transferred to the inputdevice 108. The haptic engine 200 may be mechanically or structurallycoupled to the input surface 210 (of the input device 108) to receivemovement from and/or transmit movement to the input surface 210. Bymechanically coupling the haptic engine 200 to the input surface 210,movement of the input surface 210 results in movement of one or morecomponents of the haptic engine 200. In one non-limiting example, when auser applies a force to the input surface 210 of the input device 108(e.g., presses the input surface 210), the haptic engine 200 can detectsuch input action and produce a first signal (“input device signal”)that is received by the processing device 202. Based on the input devicesignal, the processing device 202 can cause a second signal (“hapticoutput signal”) to be transmitted to the haptic engine 200 that causesthe haptic engine 200 to produce a haptic output (e.g., a vibration oran applied force). A user may then detect the haptic output as hapticfeedback when the user's finger is in contact with the input surface210.

In some embodiments, the haptic engine 200 can be configured to operatein two or more modes. For example, in a first mode, the haptic engine200 may be positioned at a first position to apply a haptic outputdirectly to the interior surface of an input device (e.g., input device108). In a second mode, the haptic engine 200 can be positioned at asecond position to produce a haptic output within the electronic device100 and/or to apply to one or more non-input-device surfaces or regionsof the electronic device 100.

Additionally or alternatively, a second haptic device 204 may beoperably connected to the processing device 202. In such embodiments,the haptic engine 200 can produce a haptic output for the input device108 while the second haptic device 204 may produce a haptic output forone or more different surfaces (non-input-device surfaces) or regions ofthe electronic device 100.

Any suitable type of haptic device can be used in the haptic engine 200and/or the second haptic device 204. Example haptic devices include, butare not limited to, actuators, vibrator, and other type of motors. Asdescribed earlier, a haptic device and haptic engine may produce one ormore types of haptic output, such as movement, vibrations, transfer ofmomentum, and other actions that may produce a perceptible or tactileoutput.

In some embodiments, an input sensor and a haptic device are separatecomponents within the electronic device 100. In such embodiments, theinput sensor can detect or sense an input action using any suitablesensing technology, such as capacitive, piezoelectric, piezoresistive,electromagnetic, ultrasonic, and magnetic sensing technologies. Forexample, in one embodiment a capacitive input sensor can be used todetect the presence of a user's finger on the input device. Additionallyor alternatively, a capacitive sensor may be used to detect a userapplying a force on the input device. For example, when the input deviceis an input button, the input sensor can detect the presence of a user'sfinger on the button and/or the user pressing the input button.

Example embodiments of a haptic engine will now be discussed. FIG. 3shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of theelectronic device taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 . In the illustratedembodiment, the haptic engine 200 is mechanically coupled to the inputdevice 108. In some examples, a mechanical coupling between the hapticengine 200 and the input device 108 facilitates a transfer of motionbetween the two components. In particular, the haptic engine 200 may bemechanically coupled to the input device 108 such that a translationalinput to the input device 108 is transferred or structurallycommunicated to the haptic engine 200. Additionally, translational(e.g., vibrational) output from the haptic engine 200 may be transferredor mechanically communicated to the input device 108.

In the example of FIG. 3 , the haptic engine 200 includes anelectromagnetic actuator or linear actuator that uses a moving mass tocreate a haptic output (e.g., movement, applied force, and/orvibration). In one non-limiting example, the moving mass may be one ormore magnets that move(s) in one direction or in an oscillating mannerin response to a current passing through a coil that is adjacent to themagnet(s). The moving magnet(s) can produce a vibration or applied forcethat is perceived as haptic feedback by a user.

In the illustrated embodiment, the haptic engine 200 includes a magnetassembly 300 coupled to and/or movably positioned about a shaft 302. Themagnet assembly 300 can include one or more magnets. In the illustratedembodiment, the magnet assembly 300 includes two magnets 300 a, 300 b ofopposite polarities. The magnets 300 a, 300 b can be made of anysuitable ferromagnetic material, such as neodymium. The shaft 302 may beformed form one or more components that are fixed with respect to eachother or may be separated to allow for decoupling of the haptic engine200 from other elements of the device. The shaft 302 can be made of anon-ferrous material such as tungsten, titanium, stainless steel, or thelike.

A coil assembly 304 at least partially surrounds the magnet assembly 300and/or the shaft 302. The coil assembly 304 includes one or more coils.Each coil can be formed with a winding of a conductive material, such asa metal. In one embodiment, the width of the coil assembly 304 can beless than or substantially equal to the width of the magnet assembly300. In other embodiments, the width of the coil assembly 304 may begreater than the width of the magnet assembly 300.

In some embodiments, a frame 306 can be positioned at least partiallyaround the coil assembly 304, the magnet assembly 300, and/or the shaft302 to increase the momentum of the linear actuator. The frame 306 canbe made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the frame 306 ismade of a metal, such as tungsten.

The coil assembly 304 and the magnet assembly 300 are positioned suchthat a first air gap separates the coil assembly 304 from the magnetassembly 300. Similarly, the coil assembly 304 and the frame 306 arepositioned such that a second air gap separates the coil assembly 304from the frame 306. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and secondair gaps are located on opposing sides of the coil assembly 304.

In some embodiments, the frame 306 can be disengaged from the inputdevice 108. The shaft 302 extends through a bearing 308 and a collar 310which support the frame 306. The collar 310 allows the shaft 302 to passone frame 306 in only one direction. For example, the collar 310 maypermit the shaft 302 to only move in a direction away from the inputdevice 108.

The coil assembly 304 may be energized by transmitting a current along alength of a wire that forms a coil in the coil assembly 304. A directionof the current along the wire of the coil determines a direction of amagnetic field that emanates from the coil assembly 304. The opposingpolarities of the magnets 300 a, 300 b generate a radial magnetic fieldthat interacts with the magnetic field of the coil assembly 304. TheLorentz force resulting from the interaction of the magnetic fieldscauses the frame 306 and the magnet assembly 300 to move in a firstdirection aligned with the axis of the shaft 302. Reversing the currentflow through the coil assembly 304 reverses the Lorentz force. As aresult, the magnetic field or force on the magnet assembly 300 is alsoreversed and the frame 306 and the magnet assembly 300 move in anopposing second direction. Thus, the frame 306 and the magnet assembly300 can move in one direction or in an oscillating manner depending onthe direction of the current flow through the coil assembly 304. In someembodiments, the frame 306 includes one or more magnets 312 that assistin moving the frame 306 and produce increased momentum when a currentpasses through the coil assembly 304.

When a user provides an input action to the input button 108 (e.g., abutton press), the shaft 302, the magnet assembly 300, and the frame 306can move a given distance into the electronic device 100. This movementinduces a current (“input device signal”) in the coil assembly 304. Aprocessing device (e.g., processing device 202 in FIG. 2 ) can receiveor be responsive to the input device signal and cause a haptic outputsignal to be transmitted to the coil assembly 304. A haptic output isproduced by the magnet assembly 300 and the frame 306 moving in onedirection or in an oscillating manner based on the haptic output signalpassing through the coil assembly 304.

A housing 314 may be attached to the enclosure 102 and positioned atleast partially around the frame 306, the magnet assembly 300, the coilassembly 304, and the shaft 302. In the illustrated embodiment, theshaft 302 extends through the housing 314 with a contact area 316attached to the interior surface of the input device 108. The momentumof a haptic output can be transferred to the input device 108 using thecontact area 316.

A bracket 322 can at least partially surround the housing 314 and attachto an interior surface of the enclosure 102 using one or more fasteners324. The bracket 322 fixes the housing 314 to the enclosure 102. Anysuitable fastener may be used, such as screws, welding, and/or anadhesive. In some embodiments, the shaft 302 can extend into and/or passthrough an opening in the bracket 322. This allows the shaft 302 to movein or through the opening when a force is applied to the input device108.

In the example embodiment, the coil assembly 304 is fixed to the housing314. The frame 306 and the magnet assembly 300 move with respect to thecoil assembly 304. In such embodiments, the coil assembly 304 may notcontact any portion of the frame 306 even when the frame 306 and themagnet assembly 300 are maximally displaced within the housing 314(e.g., to one end of the shaft 302). It should be appreciated that inother embodiments the coil assembly 304 may move instead of, or inaddition to, the frame 306 and the magnet assembly 300. However, it maybe easier to provide the interconnections for the coil assembly 304 whenthe coil assembly 304 is fixed to the housing 314. For example, the coilassembly 304 can be electrically connected to a power source using aflexible circuit or other signal line.

A compliant element 318 can be positioned on each side of the frame 306to bias the frame 306 towards the center region of the travel. Thecompliant elements 318 provide a return force or local biasing to theframe 306. The compliant elements 318 may be any suitable compliantelement such as a leaf spring, beehive spring, and the like.

In some embodiments, the haptic engine 200 can function as a forcesensor. Using the known characteristics of the input device signal andthe linear actuator, such as the mass of the magnet assembly 300 and thespring coefficients of the compliant elements 318, the acceleration ofthe movement of the input device 108 can be correlated to an amount offorce.

A compliant structure 320 can be positioned between the input device 108and the enclosure 102 to allow travel between the input device 108 andthe enclosure 102 and to return the input device 108 to a restingposition. In one embodiment, the compliant structure 320 is positionedaround an interior perimeter of the input device 108. In otherembodiments, one or more discrete compliant structures 320 may bepositioned around an interior perimeter of the input device 108.

As discussed earlier, in some embodiments at least some of thecomponents of the haptic engine 200 are shared and form both an inputsensor and a haptic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetassembly 300 and the coil assembly 304 can be used as an input sensor.When a user performs an input action on the input device 108 (e.g., bypressing), the shaft 302, the magnet assembly 300, and the frame 306 canmove inward, which in turn induces a current (“input device signal”) inthe coil assembly 304. A processing device (not shown) operablyconnected to the coil assembly 304 may receive or be responsive to theinput device signal and cause a haptic output signal to be transmittedto the coil assembly 304. The haptic output signal is transmitted alongthe length of a wire in a coil in the coil assembly 304, which in turnproduces a magnetic field that causes the frame 306 and the magnets 300a, 300 b to move and produce a haptic output (an applied force,movement, and/or vibration). The movement, vibration, and/or appliedforce may be perceived by a user as haptic feedback. Thus, the inputaction is sensed through the movement of the frame 306 and the magnets300 a, 300 b with respect to the coil assembly 304, and a haptic outputis produced by the movement of the frame 306 and the magnets 300 a, 300b with respect to the coil assembly 304.

Additionally or alternatively, a discrete input sensor can be includedin the electronic device. For example, in one embodiment, the compliantstructure 320 can be formed as a force sensing layer configured todetect an amount of force applied to the input device 108. In oneexample, the force sensing layer can include two electrode layersseparated by a dielectric or compliant material (e.g., air, foam,silicon, and the like). Each electrode layer can include one or moreelectrodes that are aligned in at least one direction to produce one ormore capacitors. When a force is applied to the input device 108 (e.g.,when a user presses the input device 108), the distance between theelectrodes in at least one capacitor changes, which changes acapacitance of the capacitor. A processing device (not shown) canreceive or be responsive to a signal from each capacitor representingthe capacitance of that capacitor. The processing device may beconfigured to correlate the signal(s) to an amount of force that wasapplied to the input device 108.

The force sensing layer provides for a range of force input values thatcan be used to control a variety of functions. For example, a user canpress the input device with a first force to perform a scrolling actionat a first speed and press the input device with a second force toperform a scrolling action at a different second speed (e.g., a fasterspeed).

In some embodiments, a different type of input sensor can be used. Theinput sensor can be configured to detect any suitable characteristic orproperty. For example, the input sensor may be an image sensor, a lightor optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a magnet, a biometric sensor, atouch sensor, an accelerometer, and so on. In an example embodiment, theinput sensor can include one or more strain gauges, a tactile or reedswitch, or a capacitive touch sensor. For example, the capacitive touchsensor may include a first electrode disposed within the enclosure 102adjacent the input device 108 and a second electrode attached to orembedded in the input device 108.

FIG. 4 depicts a simplified cross-sectional view of a second example ofthe electronic device taken along line B-B in FIG. 1 . Similar to theprevious examples, the electronic device includes a haptic engine 200,the description of which is provided above with respect to FIG. 3 .

With respect to the example of FIG. 4 , the input device 106, in thiscase a crown, is configured to receive both translational and rotationalinput actions from a user. An optical encoder 402 can be used todetermine an amount of rotation for a rotational input. The opticalencoder 402 can convert the angular motion of the shaft 400 to an analogor digital code. Typically, the shaft 400 includes a pattern (not shown)formed in or on the shaft 400 that selectively reflects light toward anoptical sensor (not shown). The reflected light is used to determine theamount of rotation.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the input device 106 is operably coupled to thehaptic engine 200. As describe above with respect to FIG. 3 , the hapticengine includes a magnet assembly 300 coupled to a frame 306, which iscoupled to a shaft 400. The shaft 400 may be formed form one or morecomponents that are fixed with respect to each other or may be separatedto allow for decoupling of the haptic engine 200 from other elements ofthe device. A coil 304 is positioned adjacent to the magnet assembly 300and is configured to produce a current in response to a movement of themagnet assembly 300. The coil 304 may also induce movement of the magnetassembly 300 when driven by a current or electrical signal.

In the example of FIG. 4 , the haptic engine 200 is mechanically orstructurally coupled to the input device 106 such that motion of theinput device 106 may be mechanically transferred to the haptic engine200 and, similarly, motion produced by the haptic engine 200 may bemechanically transferred to the input device 106. In this example, thehaptic engine 200 is configured to detect a translational input action(e.g., a press) associated with the input device 106 and produce ahaptic output based on a detected input action. The haptic output may beapplied to an exterior surface of the input device 106 (e.g., crown)and/or to another region or exterior surface of the electronic device.

Additionally, in some embodiments the haptic engine 200 provides ahaptic output based on a rotational input action. The optical encoder402 may produce an input device signal when the input device 106 isrotated. The processing unit may receive or be responsive to the inputdevice signal and, in turn, cause a haptic output signal to betransmitted to the haptic engine 200. The haptic output signal may causethe haptic engine 200 to produce a haptic output that can be perceivedby a user as haptic feedback indicating the rotational input action hasbeen received by the electronic device.

It should be noted that the positions of the haptic engine 200 and theoptical encoder 402 shown in FIG. 4 are for illustration purposes only.For example, the optical encoder 402 may be situated at any locationadjacent the shaft 400 to allow the optical encoder 402 to emit lighttoward the shaft 400 and receive the light reflected by the shaft 400.

FIG. 5 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a third example of theelectronic device taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 . Similar to theprevious examples, the haptic engine 200 is mechanically or structurallycoupled to the input device 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the coilassembly 304 is movably coupled or positioned about the shaft 302 andthe magnet assembly 300 is attached to the housing 314. A current can beapplied to the coil assembly 304 to move the frame 306 and the coilassembly 304 in one direction or in an oscillating manner (asrepresented by arrow 500) to produce a haptic output within theenclosure 102. The haptic output may be applied directly to the inputdevice 108 through the contact area 316 of the shaft 302. For example, avibrational haptic output produced by the moving magnet assembly 300 andthe frame 306 can be transferred through the contact area 316 to theinput device 108.

As discussed earlier, a haptic engine can be configured to operate intwo or more modes. For example, in a first mode, the haptic engine maybe positioned at a first position to apply a haptic output directly tothe interior surface of an input device (e.g., input device 108). In asecond mode, the haptic engine can be positioned at a second position toproduce a haptic output within the electronic device and/or to apply ahaptic output to one or more non-input-device surfaces or regions of theelectronic device. FIGS. 6A-7B illustrate two embodiments where thehaptic engine operates in two modes.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict a simplified cross-sectional view of a fourth exampleof the electronic device taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 . In theillustrated embodiment, the haptic engine can be positioned in twodifferent positions. In this example, the shaft 600 includes a body 601and a contact area 602. The body 601 and the contact area 602 may befixed to each other or may be configured to separate to decouple thehaptic engine from the input device 108. The position of the body 601and the contact area 602 are adjustable via a biasing mechanism. Anysuitable biasing mechanism can be used. For example, in one embodimentthe biasing mechanism includes a magnet 604 attached to, or embedded in,the end of the shaft 600 that is opposite the contact area 602. Anelectromagnet 606 can be positioned within the enclosure 102 a givendistance from the magnet 604. A current can be received by theelectromagnet 606 that produces an attracting or repelling magneticfield with respect to the magnet 604, depending on whether the contactarea 602 is to be moved away from or toward the interior surface of theinput device 108. In some embodiments, the shaft 600 can be situated inone of three or more positions using the electromagnet 606 and themagnet 604.

Other embodiments can use different types of biasing mechanisms. Forexample, one or more magnets and electromagnets can be included in, orattached to, the contact area 602 and the input device 108,respectively. Alternatively, one or more electromagnets may be includedin, or attached to, the input device 108. The electromagnet(s) are usedto produce a magnetic field that attracts or repels the magnet assembly300. The electromagnet(s) can be activated to move the magnet assembly300 to a given position. The one or more electromagnets are deactivatedwhen the magnet assembly 300 is at the given position. A current appliedto the coil assembly 304 can then be used to move the magnet assembly300 and produce a haptic output. In some embodiments, the attachmentmechanism may be a mechanical switch that is configured to position theshaft 600 in at least two different positions. For example, the switchmay adjust the position of a movable arm that is attached to the shaft600.

When the shaft 600 is positioned a given distance from the interiorsurface of the input device 108 (FIG. 6A), a current can be applied tothe coil assembly 304 to move the frame 306 and the magnet assembly 300in one direction or in an oscillating manner (as represented by arrow608) along the body 601 to produce haptic output within the enclosure102. The haptic output is not applied or transferred directly to theinput device 108 because the contact area 602 is not in contact with theinput device 108.

When a haptic output is to be applied directly to the input device 108,the biasing mechanism adjusts the position of the shaft 600 so that thecontact area 602 contacts the interior surface of the input device 108(see FIG. 6B). A current is applied to the coil assembly 304 to move themagnet assembly 300 and the frame 306 in one direction or in anoscillating manner (in two opposing directions) along the body 601. Thehaptic output is applied (or the momentum of the haptic output istransferred) directly to the input device 108 through the contact area602. The haptic output created by the moving mass of the frame 306 andthe magnet assembly 300 may be perceived by a user as haptic feedback onthe input device 108.

FIGS. 7A-7B show an alternate haptic engine that can be situated inmultiple positions. In this embodiment, the width (W) of the coilassembly 700 is greater than the width of the magnet assembly 300. Thecoil assembly 700 can include one or more coils. For example, a singlecoil having a width (W) can be used in some embodiments. Alternatively,two coils having a combined width (W) can be positioned side-by-sideabout the shaft 302 and magnet assembly 300. Each coil can be energizedindependently to move the frame 306 and the magnet assembly 300 to agiven position along the shaft 302 and to produce a haptic output oncethe magnet assembly 300 and the frame 306 are situated at the givenlocation. Alternatively, in some embodiments both coils may be energizedto move the magnet assembly 300 and the frame 306 to produce the hapticoutput.

In this example, the shaft 302 includes a contact area 316 that isattached to the input device 108 and a collar 310 that is disengagablycoupled to the frame 306. When a haptic output is to be produced withinthe electronic device, but not applied or transferred directly to theinput device 108, a current is passed through the coil assembly 700 toproduce a magnetic field that causes the magnet assembly 300 to move ina direction away from the input device 108. The magnet assembly 300 canbe positioned at a first location within the housing 314 (FIG. 7A). Inthis position, the collar 310 of the shaft 302 is disengaged withrespect to the frame 306.

After the magnet assembly 300 is situated at the first position, anothercurrent is passed through the coil assembly 700 to produce a magneticfield that causes the magnet assembly 300 and the frame 306 to move inone direction or in an oscillating manner (in two opposing directions)to produce the haptic output. For example, the magnet assembly 300 canmove a length L1 along the shaft 302 when moving in an oscillatingmanner to produce the haptic output within the enclosure 102.

When a haptic output is to be applied directly to the input device 108,a current is passed through the coil assembly 700 to produce a magneticfield that causes the magnet assembly 300 to move in a direction towardthe input device 108. The magnet assembly may be positioned at a secondlocation within the housing 314 (FIG. 7B). In this position, the collar310 of the shaft 302 is engaged with the frame 306. After the magnetassembly 300 is situated at the second position, another current ispassed through the coil assembly 700 to produce a magnetic field thatcauses the magnet assembly 300 and the frame 306 to move in onedirection or in an oscillating manner (in two opposing directions) toproduce the haptic output. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the magnetassembly 300 can move a length L1 when moving in an oscillating mannerto produce the haptic output.

FIG. 8 depicts one example of the coil and magnet assemblies that aresuitable for use in the haptic engines shown in FIGS. 2-7 . The firstand second magnets 300 a, 300 b of the magnet assembly 300 arepositioned about the shaft 302. As described earlier, the magnets 300 a,300 b have opposite polarities. For example, the north pole of magnet300 a can be adjacent to the south pole of magnet 300 b.

A coil assembly 304 is formed with a coil 800 that encircles the magnets300 a, 300 b. As described earlier, in one embodiment the magnets 300 a,300 b move in a direction aligned with the shaft 302 when a hapticoutput signal is transmitted through the coil 800. The coil 800 can bestationary or move with respect to the magnets 300 a, 300 b.Additionally, a width of the coil 800 can be greater than, less than, orsubstantially the same as the width of the magnet assembly 300.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a method of operating an electronic device.The method of FIG. 9 may be applied using, for example, haptic enginesdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 2-8 . In particular, the method ofFIG. 9 may be used to operate a haptic engine in two (or more) modes. Afirst mode may allow the haptic output to be applied directly to anexterior surface of the input device. A second mode may allow the hapticoutput to be delivered via another exterior surface of the device. Ingeneral, the operations of the method of FIG. 9 may be performed by aprocessing unit or other logical element of the electronic device.

At block 900, a determination is made as to whether a haptic output isto be produced. In particular, the device may determine whether a hapticoutput is to be produced in response to a user input (received at aninput device) or in response to another event. Other events include, forexample, notifications, alerts, alarms, and other events that may besignaled to a user. If the determination is negative, the method returnsto block 900.

In response to a positive determination at block 900, the processcontinues at block 902. At block 902, a determination is made as towhether the haptic output is to be applied directly to an input device.If the haptic output will not be applied directly to the input device,the method passes to block 904 where the device produces the hapticoutput. The device may determine that the haptic output is not to beapplied directly to the input device because the haptic output isassociated with one or more non-user input events including, forexample, a notification, alert, or alarm. In some cases, the hapticoutput of block 904 corresponds to a second mode in which a generalhaptic output that is delivered to an exterior surface of the electronicdevice. The exterior surface may include, but is not limited to, anexterior surface of the input device.

If the haptic output will be applied directly to the input device(and/or the momentum of the haptic output transferred directly to theinput device), the process continues at block 906. At block 906, thedevice makes a determination as to whether a haptic engine or hapticdevice should be adjusted. For example, the mode of the haptic engine orthe haptic device may be changed so that a shaft or other element of thehaptic engine engages the input device. Additionally or alternatively,one or more characteristics of a haptic output signal that is receivedby the haptic engine or the haptic device can be adjusted. For example,a frequency, amplitude, and/or a phase of the haptic output signal maybe changed. Adjusting one or more of the characteristics of the hapticoutput signal can adjust the magnitude and/or the type of haptic output.If the haptic engine or haptic device will not be adjusted, the methodpasses to block 904 where the haptic output is produced.

If the haptic engine or haptic device will be adjusted, the processcontinues at block 908 where the haptic engine is adjusted and thehaptic output is produced. The haptic output of block 908 may correspondto a first mode in which a localized haptic output that is delivered tothe input device. For example, the localized haptic output may beconcentrated or focused on an exterior surface of the input device andused to provide haptic feedback or acknowledgement of a user actionreceived using the input device.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative block diagram of the electronic device shownin FIG. 1 . The electronic device 100 can include the display 104, oneor more processing units 1000, memory 1002, one or more I/O devices1004, one or more sensors 1006, a power source 1008, a networkcommunications interface 1010, and an input device 1012 that includes ahaptic engine 1014. The processing unit(s) 1000 can control orcoordinate some or all of the operations of the electronic device 100.The processing unit(s) 1000 can communicate, either directly orindirectly, with substantially all of the components of the electronicdevice 100. For example, a system bus or signal line 1016 or othercommunication mechanism can provide communication between the processingunit(s) 1000, the memory 1002, the I/O device(s) 1004, the sensor(s)1006, the power source 1008, the network communications interface 1010,and/or the input device 1012 and haptic engine 1014. The one or moreprocessing units 1000 can be implemented as any electronic devicecapable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data, instructions,and/or program code. For example, the processing unit(s) 1000 can eachbe a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein,the term “processing unit” is meant to encompass a single processor orprocessing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, orother suitably configured computing element or elements.

In some embodiments, the processing unit(s) 1000 and the processingdevice 202 (FIG. 2 ) are the same processing unit. Alternatively, dataprocessing, inputs, and outputs can be distributed between theprocessing unit(s) 1000 and the processing device 202. In embodimentswhere the one or more processing units 1000 and the processing device202 are the same processing unit(s), the processing unit(s) 1000 isconfigured to receive or be responsive to an input device signal fromthe input device 1012. The input device signal indicates an input actionthat is associated with an input device 1012 has occurred. Additionally,in response to the receipt of the input device signal, the processingdevice(s) 1000 is configured to cause a haptic output signal to betransmitted to a coil assembly in the haptic engine 1014. The hapticengine 1014 produces a haptic output based on the haptic output signal.

The memory 1002 can store electronic data that can be used by theelectronic device 100 and instructions and/or program code that isexecuted by the processing unit(s) 1000. For example, a memory can storeelectrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files,documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timingand control signals or data for the haptic device 1012 (or one or morecomponents included therein), data structures or databases, and so on.The memory 1002 can be configured as any type of memory. By way ofexample only, the memory can be implemented as random access memory,read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, or other types ofstorage elements, or combinations of such devices. The one or more I/Odevices 1004 can transmit and/or receive data to and from a user oranother electronic device. The I/O device(s) 1004 can include a touchsensing input surface such as a track pad, one or more buttons, one ormore microphones or speakers, one or more ports such as a microphoneport, and/or a keyboard.

The electronic device 100 may also include one or more sensors 1006positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device 100. Thesensor(s) 1006 may be configured to sense substantially any type ofcharacteristic, such as, but not limited to, images, pressure, light,touch, force, biometric data, temperature, position, motion, and so on.For example, the sensor(s) 1006 may be an image sensor, a temperaturesensor, a light or optical sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, aproximity sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnet, a gyroscope, a biometricsensor, an accelerometer, and so on.

The power source 1008 can be implemented with one or more devicescapable of providing energy to the electronic device 100. For example,the power source 1008 can be one or more batteries or rechargeablebatteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power source 1008 may be aconnection cable that connects the electronic device to another powersource, such as a wall outlet or another electronic device.

The network communication interface 1010 can facilitate transmission ofdata to or from other electronic devices. For example, a networkcommunication interface 1010 can transmit electronic signals via awireless and/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wirednetwork connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, infrared, and Ethernet.

The input device 1012 can be any suitable input device that isconfigured to provide a haptic feedback to a user in response to aninput action. For example, the input device 1012 can be an input button,a crown, a section of the enclosure, and/or a display.

The haptic engine 1014 can be implemented as any suitable deviceconfigured to provide force feedback, vibratory feedback, tactilesensations, and the like. For example, in one embodiment, the hapticengine 1014 can be implemented as an electromagnetic actuator (e.g.,linear actuator) configured to provide a punctuated haptic feedback,such as a tap or a knock. Additionally or alternatively, theelectromagnetic actuator may be configured to translate in twodirections to provide a vibratory haptic feedback.

It should be noted that FIG. 10 is exemplary only. In other examples, anelectronic device may include fewer or more components than those shownin FIG. 10 . Additionally or alternatively, an electronic device can beincluded in a system and one or more components shown in FIG. 10 isseparate from the electronic device but in communication with theelectronic device. For example, an electronic device may be operativelyconnected to, or in communication with a separate display. As anotherexample, one or more applications or data can be stored in a memoryseparate from an electronic device. In some embodiments, the separatememory can be in a cloud-based system or in an associated electronicdevice.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specificembodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustrationand description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: an input devicehaving an input surface and configured to receive a translational input;and a haptic engine mechanically coupled to the input device andconfigured to: produce an input device signal in response to thetranslational input; and produce a haptic output along the inputsurface.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the haptic enginecomprises: a shaft coupled to the input device; a frame coupled to theshaft and configured to move in response to the translational input; amagnet assembly coupled to the frame; and a coil assembly at leastpartially surrounding the magnet assembly and configured to: generatethe input device signal in response to movement of the magnet assembly;and receive a haptic output signal to generate the haptic output.
 3. Theelectronic device of claim 2, further comprising a housing at leastpartially surrounding the frame, wherein the coil assembly is attachedto the housing.
 4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the hapticengine further comprises a compliant element positioned between theframe and the housing and configured to compress in response to thetranslational input.
 5. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein thehaptic engine is configured to operate in at least two modes, the atleast two modes comprising: a first mode in which the shaft engages theinput device, wherein the haptic output is provided to the input surfacewhen the haptic engine is operating in the first mode; and a second modein which the shaft is not engaged with the input device.
 6. Theelectronic device of claim 5, wherein: the electronic device furthercomprises housing forming at least a portion of an exterior surface ofthe device; and the haptic output is provided to the exterior surfacewhen the haptic engine is operating in the second mode.
 7. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the input surface comprises aninput button in an electronic watch and the translational inputcomprises a translational movement of the input button.
 8. Theelectronic device of claim 7, wherein: the electronic watch furthercomprises: a display configured to display a user interface screenassociated with an application program; and a processing device operablyconnected to the haptic engine and to the display; and in response tothe input device signal, the processing device causes a haptic outputsignal to be transmitted to the haptic engine causing the haptic engineto produce the haptic output; and in response to the input devicesignal, the display displays a change in the user interface screen. 9.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein: the input surface comprises acrown in an electronic watch; the translational input comprises atranslational movement of the crown; and the crown is further configuredto receive a rotational input.
 10. An electronic device, comprising: aninput device configured to receive a user input; a linear actuatorcoupled to the input device and configured to generate an input devicesignal in response to the user input; and a processing device operablyconnected to the linear actuator and configured to cause a haptic outputsignal to be transmitted to the linear actuator, in response to theinput device signal, wherein the haptic output signal causes the linearactuator to produce a haptic output.
 11. The electronic device of claim10, further comprising a force sensor disposed at least partially aroundan interior perimeter of the input device and positioned between theinput device and an enclosure of the electronic device.
 12. Theelectronic device of claim 10, wherein the electronic device comprisesan electronic watch and the input device includes a crown.
 13. Theelectronic device of claim 10, wherein the electronic device comprisesan electronic watch and the input device includes an input button. 14.An electronic watch, comprising: an input button; an electromagneticactuator mechanically coupled to the input button, the electromagneticactuator comprising: a magnet assembly; and a coil assembly adjacent themagnet assembly; and a processing device operably coupled to theelectromagnetic actuator, wherein the electromagnetic actuator isconfigured to detect an input action provided to the input button basedon a first movement between the magnet assembly and the coil assembly,the first movement inducing an input device signal; and the processingdevice is configured to cause a haptic output signal to be transmittedto the electromagnetic actuator, in response to the input device signal,the haptic output signal causing a second movement between the magnetassembly and the coil assembly to produce a haptic output.
 15. Theelectronic watch of claim 14, wherein the coil assembly is fixed and themagnet assembly moves in response to the input action.
 16. Theelectronic watch of claim 14, wherein the magnet assembly is fixed andthe coil assembly moves in response to the input action.
 17. Theelectronic watch of claim 14, wherein: the electronic watch furthercomprises a frame at least partially surrounding the magnet and coilassemblies; the magnet assembly is attached to the frame; and a shaftconfigured to mechanically couple the frame to the input button.
 18. Theelectronic watch of claim 17, further comprising a biasing mechanismconfigured to select an operating mode of the electromagnetic actuatorby moving the frame.
 19. The electronic watch of claim 18, wherein theoperating mode comprises: a first mode in which the shaft engages theinput button; and a second mode in which the shaft is not engaged withthe input button.
 20. The electronic watch of claim 19, wherein thebiasing mechanism comprises: a magnet attached to the shaft; and anelectromagnet included in an enclosure of the electronic watch andconfigured to produce an attracting or repelling force with respect tothe magnet.